Fishing line - Dolphin Dock

Unfortunately there is a lot of rubbish and fishing line that is discarded or lost in the Port River. It is very difficult for the dolphins to see fishing line and over the years we have had dolphins that have been caught in line, ropes and hooks.

One poor dolphin, Twinkle has had fishing line caught around his tail fluke four times. Luckily rescues were organised and we were able to free Twinkle.

Sadly another beautiful dolphin, Falcon was not so lucky. Falcon had fishing line wrapped around his rostrum prohibiting him from being able to eat. We desperately searched for Falcon so that we could remove the line but unfortunately we were not able to locate him in time. Sadly Falcon’s body was found washed up on the beach.

Fishing line wrapped tightly around Falcons gurth and rostrum.Photo courtesy of Rod Hurrell.

Unfortunately many Pelicans and other sea birds also have the same fate.

This is something that can and should be prevented.

If you are out fishing please make sure to take your rubbish and line with you. If your line does snag on some rocks please do your best to retrieve as much of it at possible. Make sure all hooks and sinkers are also discarded appropriately. Please do not throw fish to dolphins, feeding dolphins entices them to hang around fishermen and in areas where people are fishing, increasing the risk of them being caught in fishing line (See Feeding)

If you are near the water and you see any rubbish please pick it up and place it in a bin.

Since 1995, I have been involved with helping monitor sick, injured or entangled dolphins and helping with some of their rescues.
I feel that we are extremely lucky to have them here and I am incredibly lucky to have them in my life. I hope that you enjoy viewing this website and enjoy getting to know and learn about our wonderful Port River Dolphins.